Archive for May, 2012

Fill glasses with crushed ice. Add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and fill with coffee. Some folks will prefer to add a bit of sugar. This is one of my favorites. You don’t need cream or sugar, just enjoy.

Betty Groff’s newly revised and illustrated Country Goodness Cookbook is a virtual cornucopia of family recipes and home-spun anecdotes. This 326 page soft-cover edition has seasonal menus, common sense cooking, and microwave ideas. As an added bonus this book is autographed by the author.Betty Groffs Country Goodness Cookbook.

Sunshine Coffee Cake

Blend filling/topping ingredients together before mixing coffee cake batter. Preheat oven to 375° F. Sift dry ingredients together and cut in shortening. Beat eggs well and add milk. Combine liquid with dry ingredients. Spread half the batter in a greased flat pan 8×8 or 6×10″ Sprinkle with half of filling. Add the other half of the batter and sprinkle with remaining filling on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Cut in squares.

Jean is old order Mennonite from New York State. Jean and her husband David and family live on a dairy farm, and travel their community using horse and buggy. She tells her story exclusively on Amish Stories.

Yesterday was Mothers Day but it really started on Saturday. As many of the Old Order Mennonite and Amish helped us so much when we had the fire David thought it would be a thank you for us to provide the meat for the Mother’s Day dinner. He slaughtered some of our beef to provide steaks for the dinner. Several people came to help slaughter. Michael had never seen a slaughter before and got a little light in the stomach. He had to leave a couple of times along the way, but returned. David told Michael that the first time is always the worse. It gets easier every time you do it. Usually I am out in the barn helping, but this time I helped maude (maid) make lunch and watched the children.

As one of our Old Order Mennonite bought the property next to theirs-they were having the Mother’s Day dinner at their house. There are not many Amish in our area and they also helped when we had the fire at our house-we invited them to attend to. The Amish loaned us their dishes wagon which has all the dishes, silverware, glassware, cups. saucers pots, pans, etc. As our meetings get done earlier than their church, we set up what tables we had and they brought theirs after service to set up. Everyone bought a dish to pass. It is usual at our dinners that the men and boys eat first while the ladies serve.

Also the ladies prepare the food. This time was reversed-we ladies ate first – the men prepared the food and served. When it came time to serve the men and boys the girls served-we mother’s sat and watched. Also when it came time to clean up-the men and girls cleaned, packed up the food, dishes wagon, and table wagon. After that each one of us ladies was given flowers. Even the Mother’s that were widowed got flowers, too. We thanked the men for all they had done and one Amish husband told us to enjoy it-because it wasn’t going to happen again until next year. We laughed.

Many of the young folks set up a volley game and played while we watched and talked. What is a bit different is the Amish will allow the children to pay baseball on six days a week-but not on the Lord’s Day, but they will allow volley ball on seven day a week. Of course Monday through Friday, the young folks usually don’t have time to play baseball as they are doing chores. It was a very enjoyable day. We worried a bit it might rain-but it didn’t.

Also, I thank you , again, for your prayers and thoughts. I am getting better, but still am not allowed to do some of things I would like to do. Two things I really want to do is to ride in the buggy again and to lift David Jr., but I have to wait and obey the doctor-and David. I now can do most of the cooking, some light cleaning and work around the house.

It has been about a year that I have been giving Marilyn post’s for Richard to put on Amish Stories. I just would like to thank you all for reading them every week and leaving comment’s. I enjoy doing them. I also hope that I have helped your understand our way of life which is quite a bit different than your own, but in many ways we are all alike. In the coming year, I hope that I continue to post items that interest you. If you have any questions or topics you would like me to tell about, please let me know in your comments.

Be With God,Jean

As Jean is still looking for her recipes I came across this one I thought everyone that loved peanut butter pie would like. We use to have a restaurant in our town called the Palmyra Home Diner-it has since closed. There were several restaurants in since. For the last 10 years or so it has been an Italian Restaurant. Anyway, the Palmyra Home Diner’s Peanut Butter Pie was known throughout our area. A friend of mine and I use to go into the restaurant and just order a piece of the peanut butter pie and a cup of coffee. My friend and I being chocolate lovers the owner would take his hot fudge sauce and run it very lightly back and forth from the top to the bottom of the pie. Then he would put the whip cream on top of that and lightly run the hot fudge down the whip cream, it was outstanding. Marilyn

Part Two: Work at Home vs. FactoryIn the Amish community of Lancaster, the “lunch pail” problem of the 1970’s became an important issue. As farmland became scarce and expensive, more and more men were working in factories, taking their lunches off to their jobs away from home.

In the July, 1972 issue of the Amish monthly magazine Family Life, there was an article concerning farm versus factory. It told the story of a man who worked for a while in a factory, but decided to try to buy a farm, even if it would cause him financial difficulties. On the negative side of factory work, he saw the following:

1. Working with worldly people who practice smoking, swearing, telling dirty stories, etc.2. Men and women working together under such conditions. 3. Fathers away from home. 4. Too much money available.

The author then came up with some alternatives to factory work… 1. Spread out. In most of our communities farms are available on the edge of the communities at a much cheaper price. 2. If you want to buy a farm some day, then begin now to live simple and save money. Don’t try to keep up with the Jones’s (the Beilers, or the Lapps). 3. In many communities there is a good market for truck crops or specialty crops. This could provide profitable employment for the children and can be done on a small acreage.4. There are always older people who are well established financially. Why not help the young people get started instead of putting money in the bank?

Finally, the Amish writer spells out the importance he sees in remaining a farmer…

“The high cost of living, or the cost of ‘living high,’ makes it difficult to start farming today and to keep on farming. As far back as we can go in the history of our people, we find they were an agricultural people. To change this now would be taking a serious step.”

When work involves going outside the family and community for economic survival, it can drive a wedge into the family which can cause disruption by getting economically involved with the outside world.

When many of the Amish church districts in Lancaster County permitted the use of machinery powered by diesel, hydraulic, or compressed air systems, many small Amish businesses were set up at home, forming another option for the family that could not farm. Dr. Donald Kraybill in his book The Riddle of Amish Culture quoted an Amishman as saying that these small family shops and businesses were…

“a sharp turn towards home, that is back to an Anabaptist culture. Many of these shops were erected on the farm or adjacent to it. They provide the off-farm worker a job at home with or near his family, self-dependent, self-supporting, making, repairing, or selling a product that he knows is useful, one which he has a right to be proud of.”

Yet, as Kraybill makes clear, “businessmen and bishops alike fear that, in the long run, prosperity could ruin the church.” Some larger Amish enterprises have annual sales of over one million dollars. This kind of growth can be dangerous. Even a family farm can turn into a large and complicated business venture, as with many non-Amish farm operations of hundreds of acres.

This concern of “getting too big” came up earlier in the century with the farmers themselves, and the arrival of the tractor. While some Amish in Lancaster bought and used the early tractors, these machines were banned in 1923. In time tractors were allowed to power other stationary farm machinery, and horses could pull diesel-operated farm machinery in the fields. There was a fear that normal use of “tractors will lead to cars.”

The Amish saw in the car a threat to the community’s existence. Yet the use of a car for trips, or of the bus to go to town, is allowed. As Kraybill noted, “The Amish believe that by turning the use of cars over to individuals, they would quicken the pace of their life, erase geographical limits, weaken social control, and eventually ruin their community.”

Two of the strengths of the Amish community are its ability to accept that it is not self-sufficient, and its ability to establish boundaries for dealing with the outside world. The Lancaster Amish found that the constant stream of tourists provided a steady market for their cottage industries, which in turn allowed many of them to make a living without leaving the homestead. While some writers have decried this, others have argued that tourism and cottage industries may have indirectly strengthened the Amish community in Lancaster. How successfully the Amish adapt to the changing economic situation will be a matter of great importance as they move with us into the 21st century.

Profits from the sale of this 24″ x 36″ art posterbefits the Literacy council of Lancaster-Lebanon. This would look great in any room and would help remind someone of the goodness that is Lancaster county.RichardTo order justclick onLiteracy council of Lancaster-Lebanon.

Signs of Lancaster County

By Tana Reiff

You know you’re in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, when one minute you’re in a bustling little city and the next you’re in the heart of Amish country. I live just outside Lancaster city, with Amish farms a stone’s throw away. The clatter of horse hooves leading buggies coming by our house mixes with the sound of lawn mowers and cars. I buy my eggs and vegetables on the nearby farms, and chat with my Old Order friends about the weather, the wrens, and so many other topics we have in common.

I’m not a native of Lancaster County, but have lived here nearly 40 years. Long ago, I began noticing that almost every Amish and Mennonite farm has a product or service to sell. You can tell by the signs posted by the road, inviting customers to buy everything from tomatoes to brown eggs to quilts to birdhouses. Need your shoes repaired? Knives sharpened? Does your wringer washer need some work? You’ll find what you need along the back roads and main pikes. Just follow the signs. Drive back the farm lane, where someone will welcome you, or park out front, help yourself to the fresh produce, and leave your money in the jar. Sometimes it’s hard to believe you’re in the twenty-first century.

About six years ago, I started really observing the signs and taking pictures of them. There are the crafted signs in front of a coach or blacksmith shop, the historical markers and street signs in English and German, and the hand-lettered signs for everything else. I found them enchanting, amusing, and graphically appealing. I also found the tranquility of driving around the countryside a real stress-reliever.

The more I roamed, the more wonderful signs I discovered. My collection of photos was growing. I compiled some of the most engaging ones into a 24” x 36” poster collage, called, appropriately enough, Signs of Lancaster County. It is currently on sale as a fundraiser for the Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon, at $22.95 (plus PA sales tax and shipping, if requested). I’ll refer you to a page on their website – www.getliterate.org/signs-of-lancaster-county– for purchase information. I also have notecards at www.zazzle.com/tanager

To be sure, I do not take pictures of Amish people. This is a respectful rule that is the first lesson for tourists. At one farm, I was crouched down taking pictures of a sign for whoopie pies when two little Amish children came running out to take care of a potential customer (me). As soon as they spotted the camera, they walked backwards in unison. I could tell they had been trained how to react to cameras. “Don’t worry,” I said. “I’m not taking your picture. Is it all right if I take a picture of your sign?” They nodded. That day I came home with not only a whoopie pie, but also a broom (which is on the poster) and a big bag of onions.

One of my favorite pictures is “Maytag Wringer Washer Sales & Service and Parts.” It was out along Hensel Road, near Kinzers, which is near Paradise. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an Amish girl riding by on a scooter. Only when I looked at the picture on my computer screen did I notice that she is in the shot. She’s barely visible, and not recognizable, so I don’t think I violated the Biblical rule about graven images.

I hope you enjoy the Signs of Lancaster County poster. There is a lot to look at and you’ll quickly see that these are “signs” in more ways than one. Tana Reiff

An All-American dessert, this recipe is great for any fresh berries. We especially enjoyed this because strawberries were the first fruits in our garden. If we didn’t have time to make the cake. we would cube white bread; with the sugared berries and milk it was quite delicious.

In mixing bowl, beat the eggs, shortening, and sugar until fluffy. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding the ilk and dry ingredients into the shortening mixture until batter is smooth. Pour into a greased 9 x13″ baking pan or an 11″ Bundt pan and bake in preheated 350° F. oven for 50 minutes or until testing pin comes out clean when inserted.

To serve, cut in squares and split. Put sliced and sugared strawberries between layers, add some whipped cream and whole berries on top. Or serve in a deep dish or bowl with milk–regular or sweetened.Serves 6.

More than a cookbook… a collection of scenic Lancaster County country photographs entwined with Betty’s stories and recollections. Written from the heart and soul, this book passes on a traditional way of life as well as some of the best Pennsylvania German country recipes. With vivid memories of her childhood, Betty Groff recalls the ways of family farm life among the “plain people” of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The recipes for the delicious food from her family’s kitchen have been passed down and perfected by Betty’s decades of experience as a restaurateur. Basics, light fare, and exquisite traditional main and dessert dishes are easily prepared from Betty’s easy-to-follow recipes using plenty of garden vegetables and fresh fruits.

Beloved for preserving Pennsylvania German culinary arts, this book presents the best of Betty’s stories and recipes in her tradition.Betty Groff Cookbook: Pennsylvania German Recipes: And to order this book just go tohttp://www.Amishshop.com.

Jean is old order Mennonite from New York State.Jean and her husband David and family live on a dairy farm, and travel their community using horse and buggy. She tells her story exclusively on Amish Stories.

Thank you all for your comments, prayers and thoughts. I recently went to the doctors and received a good report that I am healing well. He told me not to ride in the buggy for a few weeks, but I insisted that it wouldn’t bother me so he said to give it a try. When we got home David hooked up the buggy to go to Martha’s. We didn’t get far done the road when I made him take me home. I never realized the way the buggy would feel and the bumps in the road and all that swaying, It really bothered me. So right now I will have to go places with a driver. The people across the street from us parents are the drivers we use the most. They don’t really want any money from us since we are all neighbours for such trips trip,so we buy them some gas every so often which we have done.

Today was the last day of Susan’s School year. The children went in the morning and the adults arrived before lunch time. We had the children receiving their report cards. All of us knew our children had good report cards or we would have been called before today. The eight graders received their graduation diplomas. None of the children receive awards as we do not believe in vanity. After that we received a shock-our teacher will not be returning for the next school year. She is getting married. This is not usually a shock, but she has been single all her life-she has never married. Now she is in her late 50’s she will be marrying. Her future husband is a member of our meetings (church). He has been widowed for many years. Without any ones knowledge they have been courting for the last three years. He is in his early 60’s and will be turning his farm to his youngest son who also will be marrying. He and our teacher will be moving into her home.

Her teacher’s aide will be the new teacher starting in August. She had made it known she was leaving and told the school board but asked them not to make it public until today-which they agreed with except in asking the aide if she would be the new teacher. The older students and us parents were happy, but some of the younger students cried losing their teacher. She explained that she will still be living in her home and will come to visit. Well all congratulated her and her future husband. Us ladies planned on starting a wedding quilt for them.

Everyone family had bought a dish to pass-so they were laid out on the table. The children ate at the table and us parents ate sitting in our chairs. After dinner we sat and talked for about an hour when the boy school students asked the fathers to play baseball game-fathers against boys. David was asked to play and did. We ladies talked and watched the games. The younger girls played on the swings, and talked. The older girls watched the game. It did not rain today, but it had yesterday and grown was still muddy. Sure was funny watching some of the runners slide on the mud coming into base. This year the fathers won. I was told it goes back and forth-one year the fathers win, next year the boys win.

After the game we ate left- overs. The children felt bad that they were parting. We reminded them that they will still see their friends at meetings, when they play together this summer and more. It kind of softened the going home part. We got home in time to do chores, and David still had mud on him from the baseball game after chores so he took a shower. My maude (maid) took his clothes when he brought them out of the shower and hosed them down in the yard. In fact, we all had mud-so we changed our clothes. Tomorrow the maude will do a load of wash with our clothes in them. This is one time I am glad I have a maude-she gets to do the wash.

We had a good time although it was a bit sad that our teacher is leaving-we will still see her when she comes to visit and at meetings. Susan will be in second grade when she goes back to school. As Michael goes to public school, he wasn’t able to attend Susan’s school year ending-he had to go to school.

Be With God, Jean

Susan asked me to bake and bring Corn Flake Crunches which is one of her favorites-so I did. I will now pass the recipe on to you. Hope you enjoy it.JeanCorn Flake Crunches

Enjoy: Jean

There is much talk today about the importance of “traditional family values.” In modern society we look to institutions outside the home for education, religion, entertainment, etc. This series examines to what extent the Amish have been able to keep these functions in the home.

Part one of a Seven part series for Amish Stories.

Part One: The Family & Work

It has been said that the family in America’s early years was “the factory of the time.” The family was more self-sufficient, and one’s “co-workers” were family members. A self-sufficient family or community need not go outside itself. It can remain isolated and guard itself against factors leading to disunity and disruption. Yet such isolation is virtually impossible in today’s world, as even the Amish are fully aware.

The Amish live among non-Amish in modern rural America. While they are more isolated in some areas, other communities interact daily with the modern world, perhaps nowhere as dramatically as in Lancaster. Here the Amish come into contact not only with their “English” neighbors, but directly and indirectly with millions of visitors from the United States and around the world.

To the Amish, the idea of separation from the modern world and non-conformity to its ways are stated clearly in the New Testament—“Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed.” The Amish have adopted some facets of modern technology and shunned others. The fact that the Amish population is growing, and that the majority of their young people decide to join the faith through adult baptism, testifies that there are important values in this culture. This economic function, the family and its members working as a unit within the supporting Amish community, creates a strong bond and gives each worker a clear and vital ” place” through the work he performs.

Most Amish are farmers, although in some areas of the USA barely half remain so. With an average of seven or eight children, each member plays a part in the family’s economic survival. It is likely that children are very conscious of this. Dr. John Hostetler, in his book Amish Society, notes the importance of all this when he says…

“Like most parents in American society, the Amish recognize the teen period as critical. The Amish family needs the help of its teen-age child more than the typical American family, and the child feels the family’s need of him. the young person who works on the farm can understand and feel the contribution he is making to his family.”

Indeed, Amish formal schooling stops at the eighth grade. From then on children are at home or on the farm, learning the tasks they will have as adults by working with their parents. The family and home become the place of “on the job” training.

On a farm, your work directly affects you and your family. You are a member of this company (the family), and you have your job responsibilities. In simple terms, the cows have to be fed and milked so that food and shelter can be provided for the family. Your paycheck comes daily in the form of food, clothing, shelter, and affection.

Children see their parents working hard every day and children want to help. Children often try tasks they are too young to perform, or mimic their parents when they play. I once saw a four-year-old Amish boy cry when he could not go along and help father in the field. (When I was a boy, I would sometimes try to invent ways of getting out of my chores.)

At times, individual families become caught up in other “family economies”, as when three farmers get together to help each other fill their respective silos. In such ways, the family and community bonds are further strengthened.

By the 1970’s, making a living from farming was becoming more difficult. The increasing Amish population, coupled with decreasing farmland and higher prices, made getting started difficult or impossible for some. Others found the payments on the farm, building, loans, mortgages, and interest a hardship.

One alternative was to move to another area where farmland was available and cheaper. Others looked at ways to supplement their income by having a family member work out for others, sometimes on a carpentry crew, as a farmhand, or as a cleaning lady in homes of non-Amish. But of most concern to the Amish was the possible necessity of having to work in a factory, and whether or not such work really was necessary.